Shardik by Richard Adams Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Shardik
Book Review: The Dour, Older Sibling of a Forgotten Beauty
Summary: 3 Stars
Alas. Richard Adams wrote two books set in his wonderful Beklan Empire, but only one remains in print. "Shardik" is a difficult read. It is worth reading, certainly, but I wish "Maia" would come back into print. Mr. Adams wrote "Shardik" first, but the events of "Maia" predate it by ten years, and show the Empire in a very different and exciting light, through the eyes of much more loveable (and some magnificently detestable) characters. If you like any of Richard Adams' books, do seek "Maia" out from used bookstores, it's a forgotten treasure.Book Review: The courage to create a society from threads to whole cloth
Summary: 4 Stars
I don't usually read books dealing with imaginary societies, but this one so engrossed me I couldn't put it down. Whether you respect religious cults and ancient societal mores or not, the characters of this novel will indubitably pull you in. I loved the humanity and erudition of this masterpiece. It isn't quite on the level of creative genius of Adams' Watership Down, but humans are a poor comparison to the lives of rabbits. A thoroughly enjoyable read.Book Review: Timeless and thought provoking, May just open your mind a bit more than you planned!
Summary: 5 Stars
The first time I read this book I was no more than 14 and I liked it,I found it interesting and different. I also knew that I was missing something. The next time I read it a year or so later I was blown away by the lesson's of the power of myth and belief. This book opened the door to the likes of Joseph Campbell and the hold that myth and religion have on mankind. Read it on both levels for great story telling and a powerful message,you will not be disappointed. Other fine reviews here will tell you the plot,Watership Down it is not. Richard Adams stake's a claim for one of the finest novelists of our time and books like this got him there. Strongly suggested for everyone age 15 (and sharp) to 112(and sharper)!Book Review: Vividly Descriptive and a Real Thrill
Summary: 5 Stars
In Richard Adams' book SHARDIK, we start with a city with lost power and glory. After being oppressed by neighboring powers, the people of Ortelga hear news of a gigantic bear (lord Shardik) spotted near their city. They take this as an omen of the return of their long awaited lord incarnate.
Kelderek, the hunter who spotted Shardik, gets swept up in the events and is deemed a priest who can control and understand the bear. The people of Ortlega wage battle against the neighboring oppressors using the massive bear to inspire the fighters.
Adams presents us with questions of morality and uses his fantasy world in a juxtaposition of reality. Both these tools help to spark the critical thinkers interest. The bear Shardik is the perfect metaphor for how fickle life can be. A bear is dangerously unpredictable and uncontrollable as life is.
Richard Adams has created a dynamic epic, which is nothing short of a masterpiece. I would suggest this book to anyone ready for a thrill-ride tale and vividly descriptive read.
Book Review: interesting
Summary: 4 Stars
I read Watershipdown by Richard Adams and wanted to read more of his books. If you liked Watershipdown you will probably like this one too.